Hobby Lobby to Open in Vernon Hills

A Hobby Lobby store is expected to open in the shuttered Dominick's site in Vernon Hills.

A sign on a window of the building reveals the news: "Welcome Hobby Lobby. Coming Soon."

Inland Real Estate Corporation officials confirmed through a press release that a lease "was signed with Hobby Lobby for 46,984 square feet at the Hawthorn Village Commons shopping center in Vernon Hills."

"The addition of Hobby Lobby brings a national tenant to the local community and helps create a well-balanced mix of specialty, local and national retailers at the Hawthorn Village Commons shopping center," Mike Fitzgerald, director of leasing for Inland Real Estate Corporation, said in the press release, issued Aug. 13. "We continually evaluate all of our shopping centers to ensure they have the right tenant mix to fit the needs of local consumers."

John Kalmar, assistant village manager, said Hobby Lobby is set to appear before the village board Sept. 5 for exterior changes to the building. Hobby Lobby will also appear before the zoning board of appeals for a sign variation, Kalmar said. He added that the building plans are currently under review.